For Latinx students,
by Latinx students.

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Letter from the Editors

Nuestra voz, nuestra historia. Our voice, our story.

There isn’t one way to define what it means to be Latinx. Each year, thousands of Latinx students from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences enter USC. They arrive in the heart of South Central, where about half of the population identifies as Latinx but are met with the predominant whiteness of USC, an institution that is not afraid to assert its gaudy influence. The University has yet to reflect the diversity of the community it inserted itself in centuries ago; as of Fall 2020, only 15% of USC students are Hispanic, a stark contrast from the rest of Los Angeles.

For Latinx Heritage Month, we at the Daily Trojan have worked to ensure that the stories of USC’s Latinx student population are not tucked away or glossed over. This special issue is the work of Latinx students for Latinx students. However, it is not without the help of others who have understood their responsibility in actively unlearning and relearning the various identities and nuances in the Latinx community and making the space for them to share their stories. All of the stories have been written by Latinx reporters, and we selected Latinx student artists and designers both within and outside of our staff to bring this special issue to life.

“Nuestra voz, nuestra historia” represents all the cultures, identities and nuances that make the Latinx community what it is. To be Latinx is to be more than the tropes we see portrayed around us. It’s tradition, it’s family, it’s food. It’s relationships and daily interactions.

It’s sharing stories and retelling them for future generations. And we hope that this special issue can add to the collection of stories that will help define what it means to be Latinx today.

Kate Sequeira & Eileen Toh


Features Editors, Fall 2020

Exploring identity: The value of representation within the Latinx label

As racial categories evolve over time, the idea of what it means to be Latinx has continued to shift.


A look back: Latinx at USC

Over the years, Latinx students have worked to claim a home on campus.

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An illustration of a row of women in traditional dresses dancing Folklorico
An illustration of latinx protestors supporting Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+, and various movements

Proud to be Latinx

Latinx students strive to preserve their identities at USC while finding community on campus.


Latinx community sees little growth in representation

Five percent of faculty are Latinx, a three percentage point increase since 2001.

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Podcasts


Talkin' Troy

An Interview with USC Alum and Pro Tennis Player Guiliana “GuGu” Olmos

Rhythm and News

How South Central LA molded Art-ivista Jose Richard Aviles


The art of embracing identities:

Meet these Latinx student artists

Students explore their Latinx identities and convey personal experiences through art. Through music, floralmarks, paintings and jewelry, art allows them to express the importance of being a Latinx student artist at USC.

Gif of artist Alexia Sambrano

Alexia Sambrano @alexiasambranoart

Drawing on their personal experiences and identities, Sambrano uses their art to express their pride in the person they have become.

Gif of artist Jacob Pettis

Jacob Pettis @thisismaleke

Jacob Pettis, known as Maleke, finds a balance between his passion for music and interest in design through the production of his own songs and art covers, all while trying to embrace his Afro-Latinx identity.

Gif of artist Rosalva Isidoro

Rosalva Isidoro @rosalva_floralmarks

Using weaving techniques her grandmother taught her in Mexico, Isidoro aims to share a piece of her memory through floralmarks.

Gif of artist Sarah Reyes

Sarah Reyes @sarahstesoros

By selling her handmade jewelry, accessories and personal stickers, Reyes aims to connect with other students who identify as Latinx to find a community within USC.



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